Nigeria’s Top Five Matches Against European Sides

September 10, 2019, will afford the Super Eagles another opportunity to regroup after the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where the team finished third place.

Nigeria will face Ukraine at the Dnipro Stadium in an international friendly game in what will serve as a warm-up game before they host their respective teams at the Euro qualifiers and AFCON 2021 qualifiers.

Soccernet.ng examine five of the key matches Nigeria have played against European teams.

NIGERIA 3-2 SPAIN (France 1998: Group D)

The 1998 FIFA World Cup game against Spain will be considered as one of the most memorable matches Nigeria have ever played against a European team. Spain touted as the favourites to win the World Cup was stunned by Nigeria in a pulsating five-goal thriller.

Fernando Hierro gave Spain the lead on 21 minutes before Mutiu Adepoju equalized for Nigeria on 24 minutes. However, Raul Gonzalez extended Spain’s lead before an own goal by Andoni Zubizarreta brought Nigeria back at 2-2 on 73 minutes.

Sunday Oliseh later scored one of the best goals of the tournament when he lashed on a rocket shot that went straight into the net to help Nigeria win the game.

NIGERIA 0-1 ENGLAND (International Friendly 94′)

After an impressive displaying at the FIFA World Cup in U.S.A, the Super Eagles played against the Three Lions of England in an international friendly game at Wembley Stadium.

Although Nigeria lost the encounter 1-0 however, the players gave a good account of themselves as they impressed fans with their skills.

NIGERIA 3-0 BULGARIA (USA 1994: Group D)

Appearing in her first-ever FIFA World Cup showpiece in U.S.A, the Super Eagles got off to a flying start by defeating Bulgaria 3-0 in their opening group D fixture.

Goals from late Rashidi Yekini in the 21st minute, Daniel Amokachi in the 43rd minute and Emmanuel Amuneke in the 55th minute were enough to earn Nigeria their first three points at the World Cup.

NIGERIA 1-5 NETHERLANDS (International friendly 98′)

One of the worst defeats the Super Eagles have suffered against European teams, the team lost 5-1 to the Netherlands in an international friendly game prior to the 1998 World Cup in France.

Played inside the Amsterdam Arena, Patrick Kluivert bagged a brace (60th, 74th minute) while Pierre Van Hooijdonk (77th minute), Marc Overmars (38th minute) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (32nd minute) also got on the score sheet.

Nwankwo Kanu’s penalty only served as a consolation for the Eagles after Daniel Amokachi was fouled inside the box.

GERMANY 1-0 NIGERIA (International friendly game 98′)

The game against Germany was among the most high profile friendlies the Super Eagles had prior to the 1998 World Cup in France.

After holding out their illustrious opponents to a 0-0 first half, the Super Eagles’ defence was eventually breached as they went on to lose 1-0. Germany’s goal was scored by Andreas Moller in the 58th minute.